Beside vs. Besides: Don't Let One Little 'S' Trip You Up!

What is the difference between beside and besides? 

It's a common slip-up: confusing 'beside' and 'besides.' That tiny 's' makes a world of difference in meaning and usage. Let's clear up the confusion!

Just because of one letter 's' there is a huge difference in meaning, and the usage also becomes different.

Ok, let's learn the meaning first.

The meaning of beside is 'at the side of ' or next to or near.

And besides means apart from, also, in addition to.

If you want to compare these two words grammatically, there is a little difference. 

Beside- it is a preposition and it is used to indicate locations.

Besides- it can be used as a preposition and also adverb to indicate something extra.

Examples: 

Beside- The cottage is beside the river

The chair is beside the Almirah.

I was standing beside my friend during the prayer.

Besides- Besides the library, she also went to the bookstore. (Preposition)

Besides drawing, she also knows dancing.

I don't really want to go to the party. I'm feeling quite tired. Besides, I have to wake up early for work tomorrow.

Now let's see a short dialogue between two friends using beside and besides.

Sam: Hi Max! Have you seen my new cycle?

Max: No. Where is it? 

Sam: Look there! I kept it beside yours.

Max: Oh. That looks nice.

Sam: Now I can attend the Karate classes besides the basketball game.

Did this help clear things up? Share any other commonly confused words in the comments below!